Two internal investigations are underway at the Ministry of Education, following anonymous complaints submitted to the Independent Authority Against Corruption. The complaints target both ministry officials and teachers.
The Minister of Education, Athina Michaelidou, confirmed the investigations in an interview yesterday. She has instructed the ministry’s general director to examine the complaints thoroughly.
The first complaint concerns two public teachers alleged to be running and teaching at a private tutoring centre. The complaint claims they employ ministry advisers and staff at the centre to prepare candidates for civil service teaching exams. Evidence was included with the submission.
The Independent Authority Against Corruption found that the alleged offences do not fall under the definition of corruption under Article 2 of its governing law. The Authority cannot investigate further. However, because the acts may violate Law 5/1971 on private schools and tutoring centres, the Authority referred the case to the Ministry of Education for further action.
Law 5/1971 prohibits public employees from managing, teaching, or being otherwise employed at a private tutoring centre. Breaches may lead to disciplinary action and tax investigations.
The second complaint concerns alleged corruption by ministry staff in a specific department. It names certain employees and claims:
Direct assignment of work on electrical installations in public buildings.
Abuse of power against contractors who refuse cooperation, including exclusion from future tenders.
Financial benefit from companies supplying equipment to contractors.
The Authority rejected this complaint, citing insufficient evidence and the anonymity of the submission. Without contact with the complainant or additional proof, further investigation was not possible. The complaint was referred to the Ministry, which can examine it internally.
Both investigations are ongoing. If internal inquiries confirm the complaints, the Minister must inform the Attorney General. A decision will then be made on whether the cases proceed to the police for criminal investigation or involve the Cabinet in appointing an investigating officer.